Types of Lipids

Table of contents

Triglycerides

Waxes

Steroids

Phospholipids
Triglycerides
Triglycerides, commonly known as fats and oils, have the same
basic structure of a glycerole molecule bonded to three fatty
acids.

It also flows through your bloodstream and is the main type of

fat in your body. They come from foods like butter and oils, as
well as extra calories your body doesn't use right away.
 Did you know?
Fatty acids can be good or bad for
your health depending on your
consumption. Just like with
carbohydrates, it is important to
have a balanced intake of fat to
avoid any health complications.
Triglycerides
You have probably heard Of Saturated Fats And Unsaturated
Fats.

The distinction between the two is that Unsaturated Fats come

from organic or plant-based sources and stay liquid at room
temperature, whereas Saturated Fats are typically derived from
animal sources and tend to solidify at room temperature, usually at
27°C (80.6°F).
 Triglycerides

Examples: (a) Meats, butter, and dairy products (b) Vegetable oil
Uses of Triglycerides
Triglycerides store unused calories and provide your body
with energy.

Triglycerides are also split into their components via

Transesterification during the manufacture of biodiesel. The
resulting fatty acid esters can be used as fuel in diesel
engines. Glycerin has many uses, such as in the manufacture
of food and in the production of pharmaceuticals.
Waxes
Waxes are another type of lipid, similar to triglycerides but with a
different structure and function. Unlike triglycerides, waxes
typically consist of a long-chain fatty acid linked to a long-chain
alcohol.

Natural waxes may contain unsaturated bonds and include

various functional groups such as fatty acids, primary and
secondary alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and fatty acid esters.
Waxes
They provide protection, especially to plants in which wax covers
the leaves of plants. In humans, cerumen, also known as earwax,
helps protect the skin of the ear canal.
 Did you know?
The coating on some fruits, known as
the "bloom" or "wax bloom," is a
natural wax produced by the fruit
itself. This wax helps protect the fruit
from dehydration and environmental
damage.
Usage of Waxes
Waxes are used in shoe polishes, wood polishes, and automotive
polishes, as mold release agents in mold making, as a coating for
many cheeses, and to waterproof leather and fabric.

They are widely used throughout the world for a range of

applications, including packaging, coatings, cosmetics, foods,
adhesives, inks, castings, crayons, chewing gum, polishes, and –
of course – candles.
Steroids
Steroids have a characteristic structure consisting of four
interconnected carbon rings. One of the well-known steroids is
cholesterol, which is crucial for the structure and function of cell
membranes.

Cholesterol is also a precursor for the synthesis of other steroids,

such as sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and
testosterone) and adrenal hormones (cortisol and aldosterone).
Where is cholesterol
commonly found?
Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the
cholesterol you need. The remainder of the cholesterol in your
body comes from foods from animals. For example, meat, poultry
and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol.
Steroids
Cholesterol helps build strong cell walls, makes hormones that
regulate things like growth and stress, plays a role in creating
vitamin D when you get sunlight, and even helps with digesting
fats through bile acid production. It's important, but too much
can be not-so-great for your health.
 Did you know?
Steroids are natural lipids needed in
some important functions of the
human body. Anabolic steroids are
used for muscle growth, and the
same purposes are dangerous to
internal body organs.
Uses of Steriods
Hormones: Steroids serve as important hormones in the body,
such as cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones like testosterone,
estrogen, and progesterone.

Anti-inflammatory Agents: Synthetic steroids, known as

corticosteroids, are widely used as anti-inflammatory drugs to
treat conditions like asthma, arthritis, allergic reactions, and
autoimmune diseases.
Uses of Steriods
Athletic Performance: Although illegal and dangerous, some
athletes and bodybuilders misuse anabolic steroids to enhance
muscle growth, improve athletic performance, and speed up
recovery from injuries.
The misuses of steroids
Health Effects: Misuse of anabolic steroids can cause liver
damage, cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and
strokes, high blood pressure, and increased cholesterol levels. In
men, it can lead to infertility, shrinking of the testicles, and breast
development.
The misuses of steroids
In women, it can cause masculinization, menstrual irregularities,
and infertility. It also have psychological effects, including mood
swings, aggression, irritability, depression, and increased risk of
suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is sometimes referred to as
"roid rage."
The misuses of steroids
Addiction: Some people may become psychologically dependent
on anabolic steroids, leading to addiction. They may continue to
misuse steroids despite experiencing negative physical and
psychological effects.
Phospholipids
Phospholipids are compound lipids, consisting of phosphoric
acids, nitrogen base, alcohol and fatty acids. These compound
lipids are major components of the cell membrane and also
provide a fluid character to the membranes.

They occur naturally in all living organisms as the major

components of cell membranes.
Phospholipids
Phospholipids are major membrane lipids that consist of lipid
bilayers. This basic cellular structure acts as a barrier to protect
the cell against various environmental insults.

Phospholipids help by preventing the accumulation of fats in the

liver. It plays a major role in the transportation and removal of
cholesterol from the cells.
Phospholipids
Phospholipids are also known for its function as a energy
storage.

Phospholipids have a lipid bilayer that is Hydrophobic and

Hydrophilic in the cell membranes.
This type of arrangement makes it possible for the cell to provide a barrier that
lets in only certain molecules.

For example Water and Carbon Dioxide can pass easily through this Bilayer.
 Did you know?
Phospholipids are like tiny builders in
your body. They create the walls of cells
and help transport fats, kind of like a
delivery system for important stuff.
They're like the construction crew and
transport team all rolled into one!
Uses of Phospholipids
Phospholipids—natural as well as synthetic—are broadly used in
pharmaceutical technology as wetting agents, emulsifiers, and
builders or components of different lipid mesophases such as
liposomes, micelles, mixed micelles, inverted micelles,
cubosomes, etc.
Thanks!